LeBron James appreciates Cleveland Cavaliers' tribute: "From the time I was drafted as an 18-year-old kid...it's mutual"

LeBron James returned to Cleveland for the LA Lakers’ second and last meeting with the Cavaliers this season. The four-time MVP played in front of a large throng of friends and family and was greeted by loud cheers from the crowd.

After the game, James had this to say about the reception from the Cleveland faithful:

“There’s always love coming back here. Obviously, the memories that I have here will never be forgotten. From the time I was drafted as an 18-year-old kid to the time I left, so the reception I got from the fans here, it’s mutual.”

LeBron James, an Akron, Ohio native, was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 as the savior of a success-starved franchise. “The Chosen One” toiled for seven years in Cleveland before eventually deciding to take his talents to South Beach.

Leaving Cleveland was the biggest highlight of James’ career up until that point. Most of the love and adoration he experienced in the city turned to hate and vitriol. Fans lambasted him on social media and burned #23 jerseys on the streets to show their anger and hurt.

James is well aware of what happened then and is still appreciative of that period in his career:

“I’ve been here on the negative side when the energy was crazy, too. On the positive side, it was great. Come on. This is what Cleveland sports is all about. From the Guardians to the Browns, to the Cavs, the fans, they’re gonna support and be loud. That’s what they do. I won’t expect anything else less of that.”

The second time James left the Cavaliers in 2018 wasn’t met with nearly the same degree of anger, though. Cavs Nation was more forgiving, as James had already delivered on his promise to bring the title to the city when he left for Hollywood.

In last night’s encounter, the Cavaliers paid tribute to LeBron James, showing incredible highlights of his Cleveland Cavaliers career. A clip of the stunning 2016 upset of the 73-9 Golden State Warriors received the fans' loudest and longest applause and cheers.

---

LeBron James gave it his all, but the emerging Cleveland Cavaliers were too much without Anthony Davis

LeBron James couldn't get past his old team without Anthony Davis

Besides LeBron James' presence in the arena he practically built, the crowd was abuzz with excitement in anticipation of seeing Anthony Davis. AD, over the previous 10 games, has become the Lakers’ Batman to James’ Robin.

Unfortunately, Davis couldn’t even play more than eight minutes as he had flu-like symptoms. Without the superstar big man, James came out aggressive but couldn’t lead the Lakers to the win.

The Lakers kept it close with eight minutes left in the game when Donovan Mitchell took over. Mitchell, who idolized LeBron James growing up, torched LA for 43 points. The All-Star guard dropped 29 points in the second half and has been the biggest reason the Lakers are winless against the Cavs this season.

“King James” is 17-3 all-time against his hometown team, averaging 29.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists. Two of those losses have come this season when the Cavaliers have played their best without James on the roster.